Link to your encyclopedia thread: Jack Burnett
Applying for: Fourth Year Ability
Name of Ability or Race/Talent that you Are Applying for: Perfectionist II
Describe why this fits your character (not why you the player want it):

Reducio

Jack spends hours outside of school time practicing his magic and studying lessons before they are taught in class. He will go above and beyond trying to understand every aspect of a spell he can, from its etymology to its history, in order to master it completely. Over the years, he has learned to remain calm when performing magic in order to concentrate the correct amount without emotional or mental distractions, enunciate each syllable of each incantation to the best of his abilities, and wave his wand with the correct wand movement while also aiming at his target. As a Prodigal Charms Student, he does his best to apply the three rules of charms to all the magic he performs. He does all this to reduce his margin of error to a minimum if any at all in order to avoid the worst magic backlash.

As a muggle-born student, he is particularly wary of magic and has never taken it lightly or for granted. For this reason, he has enhanced his ability as a perfectionist. After all he and others have been through with the mistakes he's made and the problems he's caused in the past, he is determined to be so good a wizard that a dangerous failure does not end up an option when he spell-casts. There is too much that can and does go wrong without his magic being a part of it, so he makes sure not to be a liability in that regard. He has come to try to take every precaution he can in order to avoid making a bad situation worse because of how his reckless actions have previously caused more problems than helped. Jack often has a very strong desire to help those he cares for and thus wouldn't dream of risking more harm coming to them instead due to his carelessness.

This boy has future ambitions to learn some pretty difficult and risky magic such as learning wandless magic, learning nonverbal magic, and becoming an animagus. Because he is aware of the danger and risk involved with these types of magic, he is especially intent on studying the ways magic can go wrong in order to prevent any unexpected disaster from happening. His belief is that if he becomes aware of a possible hazard, he can double his efforts against said hazard before it even has the chance to happen. In this way, he can reduce the chances of being caught off-guard or unawares by his magic to almost nothing.

(Word count: 419)

Please list out your stats using the 6-point stat system:

• Stamina: 6
• Evasion: 8 (+1 from 7)
• Strength: 3
• Wisdom: 15
• Arcane Power: 9 (+2 from 7)
• Accuracy: 9 (+2 from 7)

link to your encyclopedia thread / link here
name of ability that you are applying for / perfectionist II
describe why this fits your character / word count: 426

Reducio

Cade Darkbound is not your standard hardworking Ravenclaw. He isn't known to speak up in classes, kiss the professor's feet, or put effort into extra credit tasks. That's not to say he doesn't do his work. Assignments are turned in on time and done to the best of his ability, but he's not overly stressed about it either. If anyone were to ask Cade if he felt at all like he was placed in the right house, he would hesitate to answer. Because in all honesty, Cade doesn't shine so brightly next to his aviary peers. But he is a thinker, a creative mind that puts quality first. Any of his fine art doodles within his sketchbook would do more than prove it. And he does find value in practice over theory. Books can't always make the mark as much as he admits to their usefulness. As a duellist for Ravenclaw house, Cade is constantly surrounded by students with greater and more practiced skills than himself. The duellists of his house are all great role models and he would feel inspired to achieve the same brightness and skill that they possess. And if he'll ever hope to survive the constant berating and beating, he'd look into refining the strengths he already has. Master them. As a second-year, Cade had already worked hard on perfecting his spellcasting, taking more time to correct his movements and study the Latin meanings behind each incantation. That took him further than most of his class. But presently, Cade finds himself wanting. He knows deep down that there's more potential greatness he can lure from himself. And after some stream of disciplined study, he feels it's about time to take the next leap.

This young Ravenclaw would begin to take it upon himself to work even harder towards the quality of his spellcasting. Not only learning the standard works of the spells themselves but taking time to truly learn every angle and measure. Delving into the history and whatever other useful information he could find. If anyone were to look for Cade outside of class or even at home on holiday they would find him working hard in his study. Homework already completed, other hobbies and interests cast aside for the time being. Just naturally content with learning more and refining his spellwork. Revising and reviewing what he's already comfortable with to see what light he can bring to those subjects. Cade knows he can do better, in fact, he wants to strive to excel far beyond his class. Surpass his limits!

(if approved, i'll add to the ency update form)

Link to your encyclopedia thread: [x]

Name of Ability or Race that you Are Applying for:
Sixth Year: Wandmaker

Describe why this fits your character (not why you the player want it):

Reducio

Wandmaker

Wand Wood. Silver lime.
270/50

The distinct, silver lime wood yields both envy and awe among onlookers. Historically sought after for its beauty and lustre, its bleached hue finishes only second to that of aspen. On the other hand, its propensity for mental magic is what truly raises it above any other. It is correct that silver lime is attracted to psychics, but this is no requirement; this wood finds a suitable partner in any witch with a powerful mind. Despite not being a Legilimens by birth nor by training, Phaedra’s unbridled talent for wandwork, especially the phenomenon coined “spell-spreading”, commenced her early obsession with the inner workings of the mind. In fact, her first wand helped pave the way, being delicately constructed of walnut itself, another wood type with a specific liking for intellect. The seeming coincidence of having owned two mentally-branched wands is wholly imagined. High marks and professor acclaim are valuable insight to her apparent brain power, but still rather surface level in the greater scheme of intellect’s true potential. While less motivated peers simply utilise memorisation for exam material, Phaedra feels it a great disservice to abandon knowledge on such a note. In her eyes, mere textbook regurgitation is the bare minimum, in no way the absolute indicator of intelligence like it is so often assumed. Rather, a true owner of silver lime is analytical, practical, adaptive, and most importantly, imbued with the raw drive to push the limits of wit. If not for her near-perfection with magic in general, her late-afternoon experiments concerning brain elixirs and Confundus charms certainly speak volumes of her high regard for all matters mind related.

Wand Core. Phoenix feather.
243/50

Phoenix feather is an infamously fickle core. Capable of the greatest range of magic and even greater autonomous behaviour, this core has reflected Phaedra’s own tendencies ever since its fateful acquisition over five years ago. To own a wand of phoenix feather is to both bestow patience and demand it from others. Her introversion is no secret and neither is her preferred company; those who respect that with time comes allegiance make up the bulk of her connections. Phaedra is born and bred independent, but like any sentient being with a desire for acceptance and belonging, there remains room for deep, emotional ties—a trait shared between herself and her wand. Said ties are certainly hard-won and near unbreakable once established, but the small minority privileged with doing so can affirm that it was well worth the trouble to be on the receiving end of her undying loyalty. Allegiance and stubbornness aside, her magic has a powerful force backing it. Despite years of demure conduct, with a few certain exceptions she is not proud of, phoenix feather does all of the talking when words are inadequate. It is difficult to recall a time when her spellwork was anything unlike the extravagant, flashy display it is known for today, no doubt urged forward by the core that has chosen her. After mastery, Phaedra sees phoenix feather as not a tool for subjugation to her wills, but a life-long friend who happens to be most agreeable.

Wand Length. 31.4 cm (12.3622 in)
170/50

Shorter wands never quite feel right in her hands, not to mention the visual silliness of such a long-limbed girl waving what looks like a piece of chalk in comparison. A sensible explanation for her preferences, but in reality, her most successful wands are those with length simply due to her casting style. One could think that a refined young lady might take to magic of the same type—small, polished, and elegant strokes, and therefore a shorter wand for channeling. But over time, her suffocating, posh exterior found an outlet through dramatics, and best part is, she doesn’t even have to open her mouth; the magic speaks for itself. Underlying feelings of inadequacy breed a desire to act as if she is the best if she cannot truly live up to it, martial movements becoming wider and more lavish without a downtick in speed. If there is one thing Phaedra would be hard pressed to admit, it is her secret fulfillment at showing off. It probably isn’t so secret though.

Wand Flexibility. Stiff.
179/50

Flexibility to situations is one thing, but to her moral code is another entirely. One of Phaedra’s most significant hindrances is an unwillingness to open up and forgive; she is no stranger to grudge-holding for impressive lengths of time. However, this emotional constipation has yet to be thoroughly challenged and has so far protected her from life’s disappointments. For that, it is difficult to find a reason to change. Her world views are best described as stunted, a direct result of her environment as could be said for many. While Hogwarts could have given her a valuable insight into the lives of others, any forward progress is nullified from an array of negative experiences throughout her adolescence. Stiff is an accurate terminology in every sense at describing her hesitancy to change, but not all hope is lost. Hidden somewhere beneath a hardened exterior is vast potential only in need of a little nudge. Her wand, and by extension her personality, are not entirely rock solid, but with dedication and the right influences may one day find themselves more pliant.

Acquisition. Custom made, transfer of phoenix feather core.
200/50

Once deep enough into her Hogwarts education, Phaedra felt that she was approaching a wall. Spell mastery had come so naturally to the Ravenclaw that further progression seemed distant, as if having already explored every avenue to magic possible. Perhaps it was her overachieving nature planting intrusive thoughts into her head as usual, but surely her peak wouldn’t arrive so early in her life? The initial lane of concern was her wand itself: walnut wood and phoenix feather core, 28.4 centimetres. While it was a beloved beauty that had treated her well, walnut indicated a broad concept of intelligence. Phaedra was not a fan of broad nor simple generalisations. Intelligence could mean a wide array of things from book smarts and academia to social navigating and “street smarts”. No, what she needed was perhaps something a little more fine-tuned to her ambitions than that, specific enough that there was no question what she desired. In summer following fifth-year’s back to back testing, a trip to Ollivander’s paid off with a handsome, custom-made wand. A transfer of the existing phoenix feather core into its new silver lime home sustained all the previous memories and left room for more to come.

Total WC: 1,062

STATUS: Approved

THIRD YEAR ABILITY APPLICATION:

Link to your encyclopedia thread: Here
Name of Ability or Race/Talent that you Are Applying for:
Paragon of Health

Describe why this fits your character (not why you the player want it):

Reducio

*Permission was granted to mention Mathias*

Why everyone that Winnie cared about seemed to insist on placing themselves in harm's way was something she could not understand. Hogwarts came with its natural dangers, and she was well aware of it, but that did not dismiss the fact that she had seen her boyfriend, Mathias, almost die twice within the past year. The image of the pale ginger bleeding out, his face half smashed in, was one that had haunted her since that fateful day last August. There was nothing she could do to help him at the time, and she had never felt so useless. If the Charms teacher had not come to his rescue, well... She could not bare the thought of what might have happened.

The idea of Mathias being hurt pained her, caused her heart to clench. How could she keep him safe? What could she do when the inevitable happened and Matt ended up getting hurt again? Would she go mad and run amok? Scream for help again until her voice a mere squeak and her throat rough as sandpaper?

Her team mates were another concern. They seemed to insist on using risky moves during their matches. Quidditch was not a game for the faint of heart, and while Winnie did not mind using certain means to ensure Ravenclaw would win... That didn't stop her from wanting to make sure her team mates were safe. How would they manage to win next season if they couldn't manage to stay on their brooms?!

She was aware she would learn healing spells during her third year at Hogwarts, but figured it was better to combine her wizarding talents with muggle knowledge to fill in the gaps until she was able to learn more advanced spells. So, during the summer before her third year, she raided her grandparent's library and started to devour whatever book on first-aid she could get her hands on. She also invested some of her allowance into buying a first aid kit that she could carry with her.

Not that a first aid kit could heal broken bones, but eventually her wand would be able to. Until then, she could help those she cared about with common muggle items. Band-Aids, sterile pads, antibiotic ointment, and over-the-counter medicine were among the items she started to carry around her leather satchel bag, packed neatly away inside a tiny pink makeup bag. She is hopeful she can use her newly attained knowledge to help bandage up any minor injuries from practice.

That and to keep Mathias from dying.

Word Count: 424

Link to your encyclopedia thread: The Badger Files
Name of Ability or Race/Talent that you Are Applying for: Paragon of Health
Describe why this fits your character (not why you the player want it):

Over the years, Serena J. Towers learned new lessons firsthand. She was, by no means, the same person she had been when she walked through the doors of the castle for the very first time all those years ago. She was not a reader, nor did she remember everything she was told. What she did excel in was learning through sheer practice. Practical lessons taught her far more, far faster and far more effectively than anything else ever could.

Within her very first year, she learned the importance of teamwork and allies. The loneliness that she felt when the shadow consumed her was her daily nightmare. She never wanted to feel that way again. More than that, she recognised that without those around her, she would not be standing here today. Four people had literally been responsible for saving her life that one fateful night when they played hot potato with her unconscious body. This lesson was only drilled into her time and time again over the years. For instance, in her third year, she won every single quidditch game she played with the help of her teammates.

For years, she had assumed that she was not capable of helping her housemates or teammates. That she was a burden on them. It was why she quit Quidditch. But there were moments when things changed. In her third year, she had protected a single first year. Just one. But she recalled the determination that ran through her entire being when she waved her light-up wand around his unconscious body, clutching it and keeping the shadows away from him. At the time, she did not know what else to do. Lumos was her best friend. She did not know how to wake him up. Healing was not an option but keeping his body protected was the best she could do then.

In the past year, though, things started to change. She had gotten better at healing - mostly due to learning different spells in class but also, through practice. She realised the importance of healing spells when she stood in the storm, watching Erin throw up hag slugs and seeing the damage it was doing to her body. The allies around her - the group of oddities that she called her friends - focused on the slugs. She focused on saving Erin. Though it was not the original plan, Howard was right when he told her that she ended up standing tall even if it meant doing something she did not want to do - forcing the Slytherin to vomit over and over again. The pain the other girl felt was evident though. Serena felt compelled to constantly heal her, even if she was the reason the girl was vomiting. Alternating between making her vomit - for her own good - and healing her, Serena did everything possible to keep Erin alive and prevent her from turning.

Though she would not admit it, she cared for Erin now and even went as far as to check in with her when she saw her at the ball. With the worrying words that the Slytherin said, Serena learned that she should definitely check in on her more often. Not just her, of course. Most people seemed to go through something traumatic and required someone to check in on them. But this was one of the starting points that made her realise how easy it was to miss someone's suffering.

Under pressure, she learned how important her role was. She had never intended on becoming the 'healer of the party', no. But she cared for others, even if they had been mean to her in the past. She refused to let them die. That day, she also saw firsthand how people treated her friends. It was just the beginning. The months that followed showed her exactly how badly they treated people who were different. Her friends were attacked for simply being themselves. Healing became more important when people constantly got hurt around her. It was why she ended up approaching Nurse Brumby and joining the Healer intern programme.

She practised healing as an intern, through practical experience. This position allowed her to practice using healing spells on minor injuries for months. Serena also learned a bit more about muggle forms of healing, though her knowledge was still basic in that realm.

It was not long before her friends and allies started to see her as the 'healer' of the group. She stood there, steadfast in the face of anything and did whatever it took to protect her friends. Not every experience was dark and tragic, though. She stepped down from Quidditch to protect her friends and coming into Broom Racing, she did just that.

During training sessions with Hugh, she would patch him up every time he got hurt. Though, admittedly, the guy barely got hurt. She would tend to small scratches though that he got from branches whipping into him - even if they would have done way more damage to anyone other than him. And countless times, she warned her fellow broom racers not to fly into trees recklessly and to wear protective gear. Like an older sister, she tended to Jack's reckless behaviour. It started with forcing her teammates to wear protective gear, even when training but it developed to the point where she checked in with them, tending to any minor injuries that they have and making sure they were fully patched up before and after the games.

For the most part, Serena offered actual physical assistance, that she got to practice as a healing intern, to her friends and though, she had never considered herself to be strong or capable, others sometimes did. Howard, for one, tried to convince her of her strength and capabilities in the past few months, calling her an inspiration. He was one of the few people whose resolve might actually be boosted by her presence where he basically feels a bit stronger knowing that he can rely on her. She would definitely not agree with that if she was told but that was her low self-esteem talking. If it was looked at objectively, she was starting to have that positive effect on people, whether or not she believed it.

At the very least, she might actually be able to keep her friends alive a little longer and that was her only goal.

WC: 1067

Mentions: @Hugh Lowe, @Erin Ryan, @Jack Warren, @Howard White

Status:

Link to your encyclopedia thread: here
Name of Ability or Race/Talent that you Are Applying for: blindvision
Describe why this fits your character (not why you the player want it):

Reducio

It was no secret that the spider attack in Samantha's first year had affected her greatly, especially in the first few months after the shadow spiders had cursed her. The young girl would refuse to go to bed without her wand within arm's reach, preferably under her pillow, so she could reach it any time she thought she heard or saw something strange in her dark dormitory to cast lumos and at home, she had asked her parents for the nightlight she had last used as a four-year-old. It wasn't the dark that frightened her, it was the possible monsters, in particular the shadow spiders, it could hide. Every time she closed her eyes or the sun disappeared behind the horizon, it was a reminder of the darkness the spiders had brought with them and the pain that had followed.

Exhausted from the attack and accompanied by Eun-ji, Samantha had been able to fall asleep the night of the attack, not realizing it would be the good last rest she would get for a while. The nights that followed were filled with terrified looks at every movement of her roommates, unnecessary casts of the Wand-Lighting Charm at piles of clothing that could resemble a shadow spider with lots of imagination and a traumatized young Samantha hiding under her blanket. There was no Eun-ji to tell her a story and sit by her side so she felt safe and could fall asleep anymore.

At first, her dormmates were understanding but over time the sympathy faded and was replaced with annoyance by some of the fellow first years that shared a dorm with the brunette and had to deal with her behaviour. Despite not wanting to anger her already complaining roommates, it was impossible for the young girl not to have her wand glued to her hand and cast lumos to check if the movement she had seen from the corner of her eye really was the girl to her left moving in her sleep or was a shadow spider plotting to kill her. Only when summer break came along and she wasn't allowed to use magic, did Samantha finally spend a night without her wand, as it was replaced by a Winnie the Pooh night light.

Having broken the habit of sleeping with her wand under her pillow, the girl was able to sleep with her wand on her nightstand during her second year at Hogwarts. As a couple of months had passed without her having any further interactions with the horrifying shadow spiders, she felt safer and was able to sleep a lot better. However, the experience had turned her from somebody who could sleep through a thunderstorm to a light sleeper, who would wake up with every suspicious sound she heard. Some night a random sound would wake her up, heart racing, as she shoots up in her bed. Within seconds, her wide-open eyes would be scanning the dark-covered room. Not a single sound would leave her lips, as her head moved from the sleeping girl on her left to the pile of clothing on the ground, ears trying to pick up any sounds that implied danger. Her breath would accelerate, muscles were boosted with energy and senses heightened as her brain signalled that she might be in danger.

Due to the darkness that surrounded her, she had to rely on her other sense than sight to determine whether the situation was safe or not, something she got better at every day. Even after realizing she wasn't in danger, the effects of the adrenaline rush would last for a bit, sometimes even up to an hour. Before she would go back to sleep she would spend her time listening to the breaths of her fellow eagles in her dorm, the sounds some created as she turned around in her sleep, or the lonely screech of an owl on a nightly hunt. To Samantha, it seemed like these horrible nights didn't add anything to her existence except lack of sleep but she was wrong. At the end of her second year, these hours spent in the dark had improved things like her sense of hearing and balance, causing her not to fully rely on her vision anymore.

Word Count: 707
Permission given by Eun-ji for the mentioning